Take a Moment of Reflection – Saying No

I have written in the past about the value of saying “yes” to new ideas, experiences and perspectives. As with anything, however, there is always the other side of the coin: the value of saying “no.”

Many of my coaching clients, find themselves overworked, overwhelmed and completely exhausted. All too often, this is because they don’t say “no.” They need to be able to say, “no, my plate is already full” or “no, I can’t do that now, but I could do it with additional staff/funding/time [etc.].”

Often, it is women leaders in mission-driven organizations who find it most difficult to set boundaries at work by saying “no.” Even when it is at their own expense – working instead of taking care of their own needs for sleep, relaxation, family, fun – they find it challenging to say “no” to whatever issue/problem comes across their desk.

However, maintaining a lifestyle of overwork, overwhelm and exhaustion is the shortest path to burnout. When you are harried and fatigued, your productivity, creativity and efficiency go down the drain. And, as the saying goes, no one on their death bed says, “I wish I had spent more time working.”

So, when you look back on your life, will you regret spending fewer frenzied hours at the office or rejoice in all the moments you gave your undivided attention and presence to a child/friend/partner?

3 Comments

Hey Deb, thank you for sharing – as this year marks my 10th year in retailing I am finally saying enough is enough to spend more valuable time with Tsi.

Carine
on June 9, 2016 at 6:51 pm

Deb, fortunately I have met women like you and listened to Oprah once when she spoke about the importance and power of saying NO. I think this has helped me in many ways to put myself first in having healthy relationships with work, my partner, my children and colleagues.

Cheers to NO thank you. ðŸ˜Œ

Barbara-Jean
on June 11, 2016 at 11:56 am

Thanks for the invitation to know our priorities and honoring self and its needs as key to healthy living.